Accessibility
We advocate for physical access and programmatic access so people can participate in the experiences that matter.
Student-led action across the Northwest
We identify barriers—and work with communities to remove them.
Breaking Barriers Northwest conducts field observations at parks, trails, waterfronts, and recreation spaces, then shares practical accessibility recommendations with public agencies.
Our mission
Building a Northwest where access is designed in—not added later.
Through advocacy, education, and leadership, we promote accessible environments where students and community members can participate with dignity, confidence, and greater independence.
Respect
We affirm the dignity, voice, and contributions of people with disabilities and the communities we serve.
Collaboration
We believe durable change happens through constructive partnership with students, families, agencies, and community groups.
Accessibility work in action
Current recreation-accessibility projects.
We publish high-level project summaries while preliminary observations and recommendations remain with the responsible parks departments and public agencies for review.
Agency review
Oregon
Lake Oswego
Tryon Cove Park
Reviewing whether visitors with mobility disabilities can move beyond the accessible entrance and picnic area to experience the Willamette River, sandy beach, and public dock.
Waterfront accessRoute continuityDock and beach access
Current phase: Field observations shared with city leadership; project materials remain under review.
Agency review
Washington
Spokane
High Bridge Park
Examining the gap between an accessible paved arrival on the Centennial Trail and the stair-only route to the Spokane River shoreline, fishing area, and close-range river experience.
River accessFishing opportunityAccessible overlook
Current phase: Accessibility observations and focused improvement concepts submitted for parks-agency review.
Agency review
Idaho
Coeur d’Alene
Tubbs Hill Natural Area
Evaluating whether visitors who cannot use rugged natural trails have a meaningful way to experience the park’s defining lake views, overlooks, shoreline, and beach features.
Lake viewsTrail informationShoreline experience
Current phase: Preliminary observations provided to the City for consideration and response.
Regional review pipeline
Additional communities under review.
Early-stage work may include site selection, background research, field planning, local outreach, or recreation-accessibility observations.
WAOlympia
WATacoma
WASeattle
ORPortland
OREugene
Why the full memorandums are not posted yet
Project-specific memorandums are preliminary communications. We give parks departments and public agencies a fair opportunity to review the observations, provide context, correct errors, and discuss practical next steps before publication.
How we work
Observe. Share. Listen. Advance.
We combine student leadership with careful observation, clear communication, and partnership-minded advocacy.
Accessibility field observations
Students visit parks, trails, athletic facilities, and recreation spaces to document conditions that may limit participation.
Education and advocacy
We help communities understand how routes, surfaces, information, programs, and amenities shape a person’s ability to participate.
Adaptive recreation partnerships
We support accessible sports clinics, inclusive events, and partnerships with schools, parks, and adaptive recreation organizations.
Student leadership
Students conduct research, communicate with public leaders, and develop the judgment required to advance meaningful change.
Current work
Accessibility observations are under agency review.
Breaking Barriers Northwest is conducting field observations and sharing preliminary findings directly with parks departments and public agencies. We believe agencies should have a fair opportunity to review, respond, and discuss potential improvements before project-specific materials are published.
1
Observe
Document visitor experience and access conditions.
2
Share
Provide preliminary observations to the responsible agency.
3
Listen
Invite context, correction, and response.
4
Advance
Support practical, collaborative next steps.
Regional structure
Local leadership. Shared Northwest mission.
Our regional model combines local student leadership with an expanding portfolio of park, trail, waterfront, and recreation-accessibility work.
Western Washington
Olympia, Washington
Olympia-based leadership supporting work in Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, and other Western Washington communities.
Oregon
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Lake Oswego-based leadership supporting current work in Lake Oswego and review activity in Portland and Eugene.
Eastern Washington & Idaho
Spokane, Washington
Spokane-based leadership supporting active work in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.
Leadership
Students leading with purpose.
President
Patrick Hellberg
Olympia, Washington
Sets strategic priorities, coordinates programs, and leads external engagement for the Western Washington region.
Vice President
Jack Lindsey
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Leads the Oregon region and supports local partnerships, fieldwork, and student involvement.
Vice President
Matthew Hellberg
Spokane, Washington
Leads the Eastern Washington and Idaho region and helps coordinate regional projects and outreach.
Get involved
Help make participation possible.
Breaking Barriers Northwest welcomes high school and college students throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. No prior advocacy or accessibility experience is required.
We also welcome partnership inquiries from schools, parks departments, adaptive recreation organizations, families, and community groups.